Implants and Devices

The effect of sterilisation on a poly(dimethylsiloxane)/poly(hexamethylene oxide) mixed macrodiol-based polyurethane elastomer

“…It has been reported that the high temperature, humidity and pressure used during steam sterilisation can lead to hydrolysis, softening and degradation of biomedical polymers [18,21,22]. In this study, autoclaving adversely affected the chemical and mechanical properties and biostability of the polyether-based P80A with implantation magnifying the effects.…”

“…In this study, autoclaving adversely affected the chemical and mechanical properties and biostability of the polyether-based P80A with implantation magnifying the effects. The high temperatures and moist environment created by the autoclave sterilisation process are reported to promote chain scission [18] which may explain the decrease in UTS observed in this material and the weak oxidation and hydrolysis observed in the steamsterilised spectrum. However, no changes in the molecular weight profile were observed suggesting the changes were primarily surface based and possibly more related to the moist environment at the surface than the high temperature throughout the bulk.…”

“…The EtO sterilisation process utilises EtO which has bactericidal, sporicidal and virucidal effects resulting from alkylation of sulphydryl, amino, carboxyl, phenolic and hydroxyl groups in nucleic acids causing cell injury or death [18]. In this study, samples were exposed to one or three processing cycles with each cycle using an EtO concentration of 310 mg/L for 4 h at 55 1C and aeration for 7 days.…”

Graphene oxide as a scaffold for bone regeneration

“…Metal implants, commonly made of stainless steel, titanium, or cobalt–chromium–molybdenum alloys, have superior mechanical strength and durability . Metals are therefore frequently used in joint replacement therapies and as fixation devices (screws and plates), where their ability to withstand cyclic loading is vital . Some metal implants, such as those made of titanium or coated with HA, are designed to form bonds with native bone to encourage implant integration .…”

Future trends for the sterilisation of biomaterials and medical devices

“…1 Many sterilisation techniques are available today and these include the traditional methods of autoclaving, ethylene oxide (EO) and gamma irradiation, the more recently introduced systems involving low-temperature gas plasma and vapour phase sterilants and a range of new sterilisation technologies not in widespread use. Despite the availability of a range of techniques, it is generally agreed that no single sterilisation process is capable of sterilising all medical devices without adverse effects.…”